AVIATION INDUSTRY

The use of nitrogen in tires is a practice that involves filling vehicle tires with high-purity nitrogen instead of regular air, which contains a mix of gases including nitrogen, oxygen, and trace elements. This process is facilitated by nitrogen generators, particularly Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generators. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the application fields of PSA nitrogen generators in filling tires with nitrogen:

1.Reduced Tire Pressure Loss:

Nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules, leading to slower permeation through tire rubber. This results in reduced pressure loss over time, leading to more stable tire pressures.

2.Improved Tire Life:

The stability of tire pressure helps reduce tire wear and extends the overall life of the tire.

3.Enhanced Fuel Efficiency:

Maintaining proper tire pressure can contribute to improved fuel efficiency as underinflated tires can result in increased rolling resistance and decreased gas mileage.

4.Prevention of Oxidation and Corrosion:

Oxygen can contribute to oxidation and corrosion of the inner tire components and the rim. Using nitrogen eliminates oxygen, reducing the likelihood of corrosion.

5.Consistent Tire Performance:

Nitrogen-filled tires maintain more consistent tire pressures, leading to more predictable and stable tire performance.

Advantages of Nitrogen in Aviation

In aviation, the benefits of nitrogen go even further, primarily due to the critical safety standards required in the industry.

1. Safety: The inert properties of nitrogen reduce the risk of tire combustion, which is a significant safety feature, especially under high heat conditions like those experienced during landing.

2. Reliability: Aircraft tires filled with nitrogen are less likely to experience pressure changes in response to extreme altitude and temperature changes. Consistent tire pressure is crucial for safe landings and take-offs.

3. Reduced Corrosion: Unlike air, which contains moisture, nitrogen is dry. This lack of moisture prevents corrosion of the wheels and brakes, which is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of the aircraft.

Implementation

Implementing nitrogen tire inflation involves using specialized equipment to first purge the tires of existing air before refilling them with high-purity nitrogen. For automotive applications, many service centers and tire shops offer nitrogen inflation services. In aviation, nitrogen tire inflation has been a standard practice due to the stringent safety and performance standards required.

1.Automotive Service Centers:

PSA nitrogen generators are commonly used in automotive service centers to provide a convenient and on-site source of high-purity nitrogen for filling tires. These generators produce nitrogen by selectively adsorbing oxygen and other impurities from the air.

2.Military and Aviation:

In military and aviation applications, where tire performance and safety are paramount, nitrogen-filled tires are used. PSA nitrogen generators can be employed to generate high-purity nitrogen for these specialized applications.

3.Fleet Management:

Fleets of vehicles, such as those used by commercial and industrial enterprises, can benefit from the use of nitrogen in tires. PSA nitrogen generators offer a cost-effective solution for on-site nitrogen generation, ensuring a consistent supply for large vehicle fleets.

4.Motor Racing:

In motor racing, where precise tire performance is critical, the use of nitrogen-filled tires can offer more consistent pressure and contribute to better handling. PSA nitrogen generators are used to provide the required nitrogen for racing teams.

5.Transportation Industry:

The transportation industry, including trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles, can benefit from nitrogen-filled tires to improve fuel efficiency, tire life, and overall safety. PSA nitrogen generators are employed to provide a continuous and reliable supply of nitrogen for these applications.

6.Tire Shops and Dealerships:

Tire shops and dealerships often use PSA nitrogen generators to offer nitrogen tire inflation services to customers. This can be marketed as a premium service, emphasizing the benefits of nitrogen-filled tires.

7.Consumer Applications:

Some consumers choose to fill their personal vehicle tires with nitrogen to benefit from the advantages mentioned above. In this case, portable or smaller-scale PSA nitrogen generators may be used.

8.Research and Development:

PSA nitrogen generators are also used in research and development settings to conduct studies on the effects and benefits of nitrogen-filled tires in various conditions.